The families of two of four journalists who were recently arrested in Ethiopia have told the BBC that their whereabouts are unknown.

Kibrom Worku was picked up two months ago accused of inciting violence and he has not been seen since a bail hearing last month. On Monday the police said that he had been released, but he has not returned home and his father told the BBC that he was worried about his son’s health.

Selam Belay, the wife of Tamrat Negera, who was arrested on Friday, said that all she wants to know is whether her husband is dead or alive.

His family have been searching prisons in and near the capital, Addis Ababa, and they were told that he had not been seen.

Meaza Mohamed, who was detained last week, is being held by police in Addis Ababa and her family saw her on Sunday. Her brother told the BBC that they would visit again today.

Eyasped Tesfaye was arrested at his mother’s house last week. Friends and family visited him at a police station in Addis Ababa.

Except for Mr. Kibrom, none of the others have appeared in court or have had access to a lawyer.

Ethiopia is currently under a state of emergency because of the ongoing civil war. As a result some rights have been suspended.

The authorities though have not explained the reasons behind the most recent three arrests and BBC requests for comment from officials have so far not been answered.

“We are shocked at several cases of arrested journalists that have been reported to us in the last one week,” the Committee for the Protection of Journalists, CPJ has said.

“Since the state of emergency the government has ratcheted up the targeting of journalists for arrests, and detaining them without due process. Unfortunately, these latest arrests seem to fit in with that pattern.”  CPJ said.

BBC /Shakirat Sadiq